Great British Bake Off star Richard Burr reveals he only applied for show to appease wife
SEMI-FINALIST Richard Burr has revealed he only applied for The Great British Bake Off to appease his wife during a hungover New Year's Day.
The builder, who will fight it out against Luis, Chetna and Nancy in the semi-final next week, admitted that he put his application in in the hope of some peace and quiet from his wife.
Speaking to the Radio Times magazine, he said: "I applied for the show on New Year's Day. I'd made all the cakes for Christmas, plus a Christmas pudding, a big gingerbread house and all the trimmings.
"My wife Sarah said I should do it, and because I had such a hangover I agreed for a bit of peace and quiet."
He added: "I left Sarah to do the writing. Next thing I knew I had the production company phoning me up."
The father-of-two went on to reveal that he feels like he is in familiar surroundings in the Bake Off tent and not very different from his usual work place.
"The tent felt familiar with all the cameramen and crew hanging around. It was like being on site surrounded by tradesman, only a bit cleaner and with less swearing," he joked.
He added: "I hope we've turned over some stereotypes. Builders aren't particularly known for their cooking abilities, but I think more fellas should bake. Bread's easy, it's only four ingredients, and even if you make it badly people are appreciative."
Meanwhile, Nancy - who is hoping to take home the Bake Off title this year - said she felt like former contestant Martha Collison was too young for some of the criticism she received.
"I can remember one time when Martha was really wobbling, and I just wanted to remove her from it," she said.
"She's incredibly strong and confident, but she was only 17. I have years of thick skin, and was prepared to give as much back if I didn't think criticism was warranted. But she was far too young for that."
Read the full interview in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine.